Bees play a fundamental role in global ecosystems and agricultural systems. They pollinate countless plants, including many crops that form the basis of human food supplies. Their activities contribute to biodiversity and the health of natural environments. Understanding how to support bee populations, especially when an individual bee appears to be in distress, can make a difference in local ecosystems.
Emergency Feeding for a Single Bee
If you encounter a bee that appears tired or struggling, it may be exhausted and in need of energy. In such situations, providing immediate assistance can sometimes help the bee recover. Observe its movements to determine if it truly requires help, as a bee might simply be resting or warming up. If the bee is lethargic and not flying, a temporary energy boost may be beneficial.
A simple sugar solution can provide this quick energy. The aim is to offer a short-term lifeline, not a sustained food source. This method is for individual bees in distress, not entire colonies, which have different nutritional requirements and foraging behaviors. The sugar water provides carbohydrates, mimicking nectar, allowing them to regain enough strength to fly back to their colony.
Preparing and Offering Sugar Water
Prepare a sugar solution using plain white granulated sugar mixed with water. A common and effective ratio is one part white sugar to two parts water, or for a thicker syrup, one part sugar to one part water. Only use white granulated sugar, as other types contain impurities harmful to bees. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves, and ensure it cools to room temperature before offering it.
Offer the solution gently to prevent drowning the bee. Placing a few drops on a shallow dish, a clean spoon, or a non-absorbent surface next to the bee allows it to access the liquid without falling in. Some suggest placing a few small pebbles or stones in the dish to provide landing spots and prevent the bee from becoming submerged. Observe if the bee extends its proboscis to drink, indicating consumption.
Substances to Avoid
Many household substances are detrimental to bees and should never be offered as food. Honey, even if it appears natural, can transmit diseases such as American Foulbrood, a bacterial infection that is highly contagious and fatal to bee larvae. Feeding honey from an unknown source risks spreading pathogens. This is why beekeepers only use honey from their own disease-free hives for feeding.
Other sugars, such as brown sugar, raw sugar, and turbinado sugar, contain molasses, which is difficult for bees to digest and can cause dysentery, particularly in colder months when bees cannot leave the hive for cleansing flights. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda), xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol offer no nutritional value to bees and cannot be metabolized, essentially starving them of energy despite tasting sweet to humans. Similarly, products like corn syrup, maple syrup, or fruit juices are not suitable and can cause digestive issues.
Nourishing Bees Through Their Environment
Beyond emergency feeding, support bees by enhancing their natural environment with consistent food and water sources. Plant diverse flowering plants that bloom throughout the season for a continuous supply of nectar and pollen. Bee-friendly plants include lavender, borage, echinacea, sunflowers, and mint. Native plants are often well-suited to local bee populations and thrive with minimal intervention.
Provide clean water, as bees require it for hydration, diluting honey, and regulating hive temperature. A shallow dish or bird bath with pebbles, marbles, or twigs creates safe landing spots for bees to drink. Placing water sources near flowering plants increases usage by foraging bees. Regular cleaning and refilling of the water station prevents stagnation and mosquito breeding.
Pesticides and herbicides in gardens and agricultural areas pose a significant threat to bee health. Pesticides, especially insecticides like neonicotinoids, can kill bees on contact or be transported to the hive, harming the entire colony. These chemicals impair bees’ navigation, reproduction, and immune systems, with effects spanning multiple generations. Organic gardening and integrated pest management create a safer, more sustainable environment for pollinators.